Multi-mode radio for hearing assistance devices

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to the wireless communication of information for a hearing assistance device including a multi-mode radio adapted to provide communications at different frequencies using frequency control. In applications of hearing aids, the processor is adapted to perform correction of sound for a hearing impaired user. In certain examples the present subject matter provides an inductive portion for inductive communications. In various applications the multi-mode radio can be used for long range and short range communications.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/963,461, filed Apr. 26, 2018, is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/250,130, filed Aug. 29, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,967,683, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/830,290, filed Jul. 3, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,432,780, eachof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to hearing assistancedevices, including, but not limited to hearing aids, and in particularto a multi-mode radio for hearing assistance devices.

BACKGROUND

Modern hearing assistance devices typically include digital electronicsto enhance the wearer's experience. In the specific case of hearingaids, current designs employ digital signal processors rich in features.Their functionality is further benefited from wireless communications.However, different countries have different frequency bands availablefor use. And the amount of absorption of radio signals changessignificantly with frequency of the signals. Furthermore, communicationsat different frequencies can require substantially different electronicsin various cases.

What is needed in the art is an improved radio for communications forhearing assistance devices.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus forhearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to hearing aids,and in particular to a multi-mode radio for hearing assistance devices.

The present disclosure relates to the wireless communication ofinformation for a hearing assistance device including a multi-mode radioadapted to provide communications at different frequencies usingfrequency control. In applications of hearing aids, the processor isadapted to perform correction of sound for a hearing impaired user. Incertain examples the present subject matter provides an inductiveportion for inductive communications. In various applications themulti-mode radio can be used for long range and short rangecommunications.

This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatmentof the present subject matter. Further details about the present subjectmatter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Thescope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims andtheir legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hearing assistance device with acommunications module including a multi-mode radio, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-mode radio system for long andshort range communications in a hearing assistance device, according toone embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a receiver design for a communicationsmodule according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a receiver design for a communicationsmodule according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a receiver design for a communicationsmodule according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a receiver design for a communicationsmodule according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present subject matter refersto subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way ofillustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the presentsubject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thepresent subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various”embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be takenin a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is definedby the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

The present subject matter relates generally to hearing assistancedevices, including, but not limited to hearing aids, and in particularto a multi-mode radio system for long and short range communications forhearing assistance device applications.

Frequencies available for wireless communication such as the ISMfrequencies at 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz offer a large amount of bandwidth andallow sufficient RF power to cover many uses for hearing assistancedevices. However the frequencies around 900 MHz are not allocated forworldwide coverage. In addition frequencies above 900 MHz are absorbedby human tissue such that a body shadow effect must be accounted forwhen computing the link budget for ear to ear and ear to body wornelectronics. Magnetic links below 30 MHz work well for ear to earcommunication and ear to body worn devices since these frequencies arenot absorbed significantly by human tissue. Magnetic links also have theadvantage of world-wide regulatory acceptance. Frequencies from 100 MHzto 400 MHz have been shown to propagate on the skin of the body andexhibit a loss that is less than that of free space when worn on or nearthe human body. In addition, legacy narrow band analog FM assistedlistening devices exist that have a frequency allocation in the 164-217MHz band throughout the world.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hearing assistance device 100 with acommunications module 160 including a multi-mode radio 150 according toone embodiment of the present subject matter. The radio 150 receives afrequency control signal 120 that can be set by a variety of mechanismsin various embodiments. In one embodiment, frequency control signal 120is controlled by processor 130. In one embodiment, frequency controlsignal 120 is controlled by combinational logic. In one embodiment,frequency control signal 120 is controlled by radio circuits, including,but not limited to a received signal strength indication (RSSI) moduleto provide input to the selection of frequency by the multi-mode radio150. These and other types of controls may be used singularly or incombination without departing from the scope of the present subjectmatter.

In various embodiments the control signal 120 is used to control thefrequency of operation of multi-mode radio 150. In various embodimentsthe control signal 120 is used to control modulation mode of multi-moderadio 150. In various embodiments the control signal 120 is used toselect high frequency communications. In various embodiments the controlsignal 120 is used to select low frequency communications. In variousembodiments the control signal 120 is used to select a mode of operationof the multi-mode radio 150. Some embodiments include but are notlimited to near range communications, long range communications, and/orcombinations of near range and long range communications. Variouscommunication parameters including, but not limited to, combinations offrequencies, modulation techniques, and signal strengths can becontrolled in various embodiments. Other communications parameters canbe selected without departing from the scope of the present subjectmatter.

In various embodiments the information signal 140 includes informationreceived by multi-mode radio 150. In various embodiments the informationsignal 140 includes information transmitted by multi-mode radio 150. Invarious embodiments the information signal 140 includes controlinformation. In various embodiments information signal 140 isunidirectional. In various embodiments information signal 140 isbidirectional. In various embodiments information signal 140 is halfduplex. In various embodiments information signal 140 is full duplex.Other modes and uses of information signal 140 are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter.

In various embodiments, the information signal 140 is an output fromcommunications module 160. In various embodiments, the informationsignal 140 is an input to the communications module 160. In variousembodiments, the information signal 140 is communicated as abidirectional signal from and to the processor 130.

In one embodiment multi-mode radio 150 is a receiver. In one embodiment,multi-mode radio 150 is a transmitter. In various embodiments multi-moderadio 150 performs transmitter and receiver (transceiver) functions.Thus, antenna 110 is used for reception and/or transmission depending onthe embodiment of the present subject matter. It is understood thatantenna 110 can be any of a variety of antenna types, including a tunedantenna, a multiband antenna, and a broadband antenna. It is understoodthat antenna 110 can be a variety of structures, including, but notlimited to a single element or an antenna array. In various embodimentsthe antenna 110 is part of the electronics and designed to be integralwith the communication module 160. In various embodiments the antenna110 is electrically connected to communications module 160 but isintegral with some other structure. Such other structures include butare not limited to: an antenna element disposed in or on a receiverconnector, such as used in a receiver-in-canal (RIC) orreceiver-in-the-ear (RITE) designs; an antenna that is integral to thehearing assistance device housing; or a flex tape antenna that can bedisposed at least partially within the housing.

Some antenna configurations and related teachings include but are notlimited to the following patent applications, which are all herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/768,735 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,747); Ser. No.11/676,420 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,720); Ser. No. 11/357,751(now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,593,538); Ser. No. 12/027,151, filed Feb.6, 2008; Ser. No. 12/550,821, filed Aug. 31, 2009; Ser. No. 12/340,600,filed Dec. 19, 2008; Ser. No. 12/340,604, filed Dec. 19, 2008; and Ser.No. 12/638,720, filed Dec. 15, 2009. Other antenna configurations andhardware are possible without departing from the scope of the presentsubject matter.

It is understood that various tuning approaches can be used including,but not limited to, selection of a tuned antenna appropriate for thefrequency of operation from a plurality of tuned antennas, automaticmatching of an antenna for a selected frequency of operation, abroadband antenna approach and combinations of the foregoing.

In various embodiments processor 130 is adapted to perform hearingassistance processing on the information signal 140. In variousembodiments processor 130 includes a digital signal processor. Invarious embodiments processor 130 includes a microprocessor. In variousembodiments processor 130 includes combinational logic. In variousembodiments processor 130 is a microcontroller. For example, in hearingaid applications processor 130 is adapted to perform functionsassociated with programmable gain to improve hearing of a subject withhearing loss. Some embodiments may include one or more aspectsincluding, but not necessarily limited to sub band processing, acousticfeedback cancellation, entrainment reduction, adjustable gain,compression, and/or limiting.

In various embodiments processor 130 is adapted to provide aninformation signal 140 to communications module 160. In variousapplications, processor 130 is further adapted to control the frequencyof operation of the multi-mode radio 150. In various embodiments,processor 130 is adapted to provide mode control of communicationsmodule 160 and/or multi-mode radio 150. For example, one type of modeselection is that the communications module 160 can be used to receive,transmit, or transceive information, in various embodiments of thepresent subject matter. In various embodiments of the present subjectmatter communications module 160 is adapted to perform differentdemodulation and/or modulation techniques, including, but not limited toone or more of frequency frequency shift keying (FSK), frequencymodulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM), single sideband (SSB),spread spectrum, quaternary amplitude modulation (QAM), phase shiftkeying (PSK), quaternary phase shift keying (QPSK) or pulse widthmodulation (PWM). In various embodiments the multi-mode radio 150 isadapted to perform transmission and reception at different frequencies.In various embodiments the multi-mode radio 150 is adapted to performtransmission and reception using different modulation techniques. Invarious embodiments the multi-mode radio 150 is adapted to supporthybrid modulation techniques. One such example includes the combinationof digital and analog communications, including, but not limited to thecommunications discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/645,007,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In variousembodiments the multi-mode radio 150 includes control of one or more ofthe following aspects including but not limited to antenna selectionand/or antenna matching. Thus, the present system can provideflexibility and programmability of operation that can be controlled byprocessor 130, communications module 160, or combinations including oneor both of processor 130 and communications module 160.

The multi-mode radio with frequency control allows a hearing assistancedevice to use a variety of frequencies with minimal or no change inhardware. It also allows a system to use multiple bands to enhancecommunications based on conditions and/or applications. For example, indesigns where signals may have to be received through body tissue, lowerfrequencies with less absorption can be used. Thus, the system allowsfor frequency or band diversification with minimal impact to thehardware design. Such designs also allow for programmable channelapplications.

In various applications where hearing assistance device 100 is a hearingaid, the device can include one or more of a microphone (or a pluralityof microphones), a receiver (also known as a speaker), a telecoil,signal processing electronics, wireless electronics, an antenna, and ahousing for the electronics. In some embodiments, the hearing aidincludes a connector between the receiver and the housing. In someembodiments, the hearing aid includes a sound tube. In variousapplications the hearing assistance device is an implant, such as acochlear implant, which includes one or more electrodes adapted toprovide an electrical signal for hearing. These applications are fordemonstration only and not intended to be exclusive or exhaustiveapplications of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a receiver design for the communicationsmodule 160 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Asignal from the antenna 110 is amplified by low noise amplifier 314 andsent to mixer 320 which receives a local oscillator signal from localoscillator 322. The frequency of the local oscillator is controlled byfrequency control signal 120. The mixed signal is sent to bandpassfilter 326 which is adapted to pass the information signals of interestto demodulator 328. Demodulator 328 provides an information signal 140as its output. In various embodiments the frequency control is providedinternally by the multi-mode radio. For example, in various embodimentscommunications module 160 includes additional hardware to receive andprocess control signal 120 and/or information signal 140. The receiverdesign shown is intended to demonstrate a receive function ofcommunications module 160. It is understood that variations incomponents, connections, and implementation may be performed withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter and that thedemonstrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a receiver design for the communicationsmodule 160 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Asignal from the antenna 110 is amplified by low noise amplifier 314 andsent to switch 551 which can direct the signal directly to switch 552via connection 560 or to mixer 320 which receives a local oscillatorsignal from local oscillator 322. In various embodiments, the switchingof switches (or multiplexer/demultiplexer) 551 and 552 are controlled bycontrol signal 120. In various embodiments the frequency of the localoscillator is controlled by frequency control signal 120. The signalfrom switch 552 is sent to bandpass filter 326 which is adapted to passthe information signals of interest to demodulator 328. Demodulator 328provides an information signal 140 as its output. In various embodimentsthe frequency control is provided internally by the multi-mode radio.For example, in various embodiments communications module 160 includesadditional hardware to receive and process control signal 120 and/orinformation signal 140. The receiver design shown is intended todemonstrate a receive function of communications module 160. In variousembodiments the control signals to the switches 551 and 552 aredifferent than the control signal to the local oscillator 322. It isunderstood that variations in components, connections, andimplementation may be performed without departing from the scope of thepresent subject matter and that the demonstrated embodiments are notintended to be exhaustive or exclusive.

In various embodiments the present subject matter provides an inductivecommunication mode that can be used in conjunction with the multi-moderadio 150 described above in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-mode radio system for long andshort range communications in a hearing assistance device, according toone embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 shows acommunications module 160 that includes a high frequency radio 210 withantenna 211 and a low frequency radio 220 and antenna 221. In variousembodiments the high frequency radio 210 and low frequency radio 220 areselectable for communications of information signal 140 using interface230. In various embodiments, the information signal 140 isunidirectional. In various embodiments the information signal 140 isbidirectional. In various embodiments the information signal 140 isprovided by reception by the high frequency radio 210 or the lowfrequency radio 220 or both. In various embodiments the informationsignal 140 is transmitted by the high frequency radio 210 or the lowfrequency radio 220 or both. In various embodiments a transceiverfunction is supported by the high frequency radio 210 or the lowfrequency radio 220 or both. In various embodiments the low frequencyradio 220 is an inductive radio 210. In various embodiments theinterface 230 is realized in a processor. In various applications theradio system can support concurrent receive or transmit events using thehigh frequency radio 210 and the low frequency radio 220. Thus, thesystem is highly programmable and adaptable.

In various embodiments the interface 230 provides information including,but not limited to, one or both of frequency control information ordevice enable information to the high frequency radio 210 and the lowfrequency radio 220 using one or both of the information signal 140and/or the control signal 120. In various embodiments, the presentsubject matter provides encryption to the transmissions which issupported by communications between the blocks in the system of hearingassistance device 200. In various embodiments, the present subjectmatter provides decryption to receptions of hearing assistance device200. In various embodiments antenna 211 and antenna 221 are realizedusing a single antenna structure. In various embodiments the singleantenna structure is provided using multiplexing of signals between thehigh frequency radio 210 and the low frequency radio 220. In variousembodiments the single antenna structure is provided using multibandantenna designs adapted to operate with the high frequency radio 210 andthe low frequency radio 220. In various embodiments antenna 211 andantenna 221 are separate antennas.

Thus, high frequency radio 210, low frequency radio 220, and interface230 are the blocks of multi-mode radio 150 in various embodiments. It isunderstood that the discussion above for multi-mode radio 150 applies tothe operation of high frequency radio 210, low frequency radio 220, andinterface 230.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a receiver design for the communicationsmodule 160 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Ina first mode a signal from the antenna 211 is amplified by low noiseamplifier 314 and sent to mixer 320 which receives a local oscillatorsignal from local oscillator 322. The frequency of the local oscillatoris controlled by frequency control signal 120. In the first mode themultiplexer 441 connects the output of mixer 320 with bandpass filter326 which is adapted to pass the information signals of interest todemodulator 328. Demodulator 328 provides an information signal 140 asits output. In various embodiments the frequency control is providedinternally by the multi-mode radio. In a second mode communicationsreceived by antenna 221 are amplified by low noise amplifier 418 andsent to mixer 420 which also receives a local oscillator signal fromlocal oscillator 422. The output of mixer 420 is sent to bandpass filter326 via multiplexer 441, depending on the input to multiplexer 441. Invarious embodiments the input to multiplexer comes from control signal120. In various embodiments other signals are used to controlmultiplexer 441.

The output of bandpass filter 326 is demodulated using demodulator 328to provide information signal 140. The receiver design shown is intendedto demonstrate a receive function of communications module 160. It isunderstood that variations in components, connections, andimplementation may exist without departing from the scope of the presentsubject matter and that the demonstrated embodiments are not intended tobe exhaustive or exclusive. For example, it is understood that invarious embodiments separate channels can be used for demodulation toprovide concurrent reception of signals from antennas 211 and 221. Thus,the present design is demonstrative of only one approach which uses thesame baseband demodulation modules, but other embodiments arecontemplated by the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a receiver design for the communicationsmodule 160 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIG. 4 except mixer320 and local oscillator 322 are omitted and the signal from LNA 314 istransferred directly to multiplexer 441. Therefore, this design employsa single local oscillator 422.

In various applications hearing assistance device (100) is a hearingaid. In various applications the wireless communications are between twohearing assistance devices. In various applications the wirelesscommunications are between a first hearing aid and a second hearing aid.In various applications the wireless communications are between ahearing assistance device and any other wireless device. In variousapplications, the hearing assistance device communicates with a seconddevice that is a wireless audio controller. Some examples of wirelessaudio controllers are found in U.S. Patent Application Publication2006/0274747, titled: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AUDIO DEVICES,and PCT Application Publication WO 2006/133158, titled: COMMUNICATIONSYSTEM FOR WIRELESS AUDIO DEVICES, which are both hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. In various applications, the secondwireless device can be any wireless device, and the examples providedherein are intended to demonstrate the present subject matter, but notto limit it to the examples provided herein.

The present subject matter provides various communications, including,but not limited to, one or more of: ear-to-ear communications;ear-to-remote device communications; wireless programming, configurationand data logging; streaming audio; bi-directional audio; and/or remotecontrol. It is understood that these communications can beunidirectional, bidirectional, or combinations of both. Suchcommunications can also include far field communications (e.g., radiofrequency communications), or combinations of near field (e.g.,inductive link using substantially the magnetic field) and far fieldcommunications. Several modes of modulation and demodulation arepossible and the examples given herein are demonstrative and notintended to be exclusive or limiting.

In various embodiments the wireless communications can include standardor nonstandard communications. Some examples of standard wirelesscommunications include link protocols including, but not limited to,Bluetooth™ IEEE 802.11 (wireless LANs), 802.15 (WPANs), 802.16 (WiMAX),cellular protocols including, but not limited to CDMA and GSM, ZigBee,and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies. Such protocols support radiofrequency communications and some support infrared communications.Although the present system is demonstrated as a radio system, it ispossible that other forms of wireless communications can be used such asultrasonic, optical, and others. It is understood that the standardswhich can be used include past and present standards. It is alsocontemplated that future versions of these standards and new futurestandards may be employed without departing from the scope of thepresent subject matter.

The wireless communications support a connection from other devices.Such connections include, but are not limited to, one or more mono orstereo connections or digital connections having link protocolsincluding, but not limited to 802.3 (Ethernet), 802.4, 802.5, USB, ATM,Fibre-channel, Firewire or 1394, InfiniBand, or a native streaminginterface. In various embodiments, such connections include all past andpresent link protocols. It is also contemplated that future versions ofthese protocols and new future standards may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter.

In various embodiments a protocol is used, such as the protocoldescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0274747, entitled:COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS DEVICES, and PCT ApplicationPublication WO 2006/133158, titled: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR WIRELESSAUDIO DEVICES, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. In various embodiments, a protocol is used such as theprotocol in U.S. Pat. No. 7,529,565, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Other protocols may be used without departingfrom the scope of the present subject matter.

Thus, the present subject matter provides a multi-mode radio where longrange electromagnetic waves can propagate to and from the hearing aidsto off body devices including, but not limited to programmers, remotecontrols, wireless microphones, and/or assisted listening devices.

Since the devices are very programmable and can be set to bandsacceptable over the world, the present subject matter can be used toprovide reliable ear-to ear links with world-wide acceptance from aregulatory point of view. For example, in various countries operationcan be performed by multiple bands such as 902-928 MHz in the US and863-865 MHz in Europe. The present subject matter also allows for legacynarrow band analog FM receivers used for assistive listening to besuccessfully received by the same radio in certain embodiments. When oneband of frequencies has interference, then another band of frequenciesmay be free of interference. Thus, a multiband radio providescommunication redundancy in the face of interference.

In various embodiments the present approach provides a radio transceiverthat has dual, triple, or other modes and bands of operation. Forexample, a 900 MHz transceiver can be built to operate at 200 MHz aswell. In various embodiments, the radio has a mode that supportscommunication using a carrier that is less than about 30 MHz forear-to-ear or ear-to-body worn device communication. In variousembodiments, a system that has an RF front end capable of 900 MHzoperation is built as a single or dual conversion radio having aninternal frequency (IF) that is less than about 30 MHz and that can beadapted to transmit and receive a signal directly at frequencies below30 MHz, thus bypassing the RF front end of the transceiver. In variousembodiments the transceiver uses similar modulation schemes at bothfrequencies so that the demodulator and modulator sections of thetransceiver can be used for both frequencies of operation.Alternatively, the transceiver may use a different modulation(multi-mode) scheme at each of the frequencies that best satisfies thelink budget and power budget for that band of frequencies. In variousembodiments the transceiver incorporates a narrowband analog FMdemodulator as part of the receiver for receiving analog FM signals fromassisted listening devices in the 169-217 MHz RF spectrum.

The present subject matter provides, among other things, in variousembodiments a multi-band transceiver capable of sending and receivingdigital or analog information over an RF link using multiple carrierfrequencies for use in a hearing aid. The IF frequency of thetransceiver can be used to directly receive and transmit information ata different frequency by bypassing the RF front end. In other variationsan alternate front end tuned to operate at multiple frequency bands isused. Such a system can use an IF frequency consistent with analog FMassisted listening devices in the 200 MHz region and has an RF front endcapable of operating at higher frequencies such as 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz.Variations of the present subject matter include in various embodimentsa radio system that uses an IF frequency consistent with magneticinduction (frequencies less than 30 MHz) by bypassing or retuning thefront end receiver and transmitter.

The present subject matter provides, among other things, in variousembodiments a multi-mode transceiver capable of sending and receivingdigital or analog information over an RF link using multi-modes ofoperation each mode being adapted for use at a different frequency bandof operation.

It is understood that variations in communications protocols, antennaconfigurations, and combinations of components may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the present subject matter. It is understoodthat in various embodiments the microphone is optional. It is understoodthat in various embodiments the receiver is optional. Antennaconfigurations may vary and may be included within an enclosure for theelectronics or be external to an enclosure for the electronics. Thus,the examples set forth herein are intended to be demonstrative and not alimiting or exhaustive depiction of variations.

The present subject matter can be used for a variety of hearingassistance devices, including but not limited to, cochlear implant typehearing devices, hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear(ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearingaids. It is understood that behind-the-ear type hearing aids may includedevices that reside substantially behind the ear or over the ear. Suchdevices may include hearing aids with receivers associated with theelectronics portion of the behind-the-ear device, or hearing aids of thetype having receivers in the ear canal of the user. Such devices arealso known as receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)hearing instruments. It is understood that other hearing assistancedevices not expressly stated herein may fall within the scope of thepresent subject matter.

This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of thepresent subject matter. It is to be understood that the abovedescription is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Thescope of the present subject matter should be determined with referenceto the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ear-wearable communication system, comprising:a multi-mode radio system including: a high-frequency transceiver forhigh-frequency communication; a first antenna coupled to thehigh-frequency transceiver; a low-frequency transceiver forlow-frequency communication; and a second antenna coupled to thelow-frequency transceiver; a receiver configured to play sound for awearer of the ear-wearable communication system; and a processor incommunication with the multi-mode radio system and the receiver, theprocessor configured to provide a frequency control signal as an inputto the high-frequency transceiver and the low-frequency transceiver tocontrol operation of the multi-mode radio system.
 2. The ear-wearablecommunication system of claim 1, further comprising a microphone toreceive sound and convert the sound to an electrical signal that isprovided to the processor.
 3. The ear-wearable communication system ofclaim 1, wherein the multi-mode radio system is configured tocommunicate with a second ear-wearable communication system.
 4. Theear-wearable communication system of claim 1, wherein the multi-moderadio system is configured to communicate with a body-worn device. 5.The ear-wearable communication system of claim 1, wherein the multi-moderadio system is configured to communicate with a remote device.
 6. Theear-wearable communication system of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to process signals to correct for hearing impairment of thewearer.
 7. The ear-wearable communication system of claim 1, wherein themulti-mode radio system is programmable to provide separatecommunication channels supporting concurrent communications.
 8. Theear-wearable communication system of claim 1, further comprising asecond ear-wearable communication system including: a second multi-moderadio system including: a second high-frequency transceiver forhigh-frequency communication; a third antenna coupled to thehigh-frequency transceiver; a second low-frequency transceiver forlow-frequency communication; and a fourth antenna coupled to thelow-frequency transceiver; a second receiver configured to play soundfor the wearer of the second ear-wearable communication system; and asecond processor in communication with the second multi-mode radiosystem and the second receiver, the second processor configured tocontrol operation of the second multi-mode radio system.
 9. Theear-wearable communication system of claim 8, wherein the secondear-wearable communication system further comprises a microphone toreceive sound and convert the sound to an electrical signal that isprovided to the second processor.
 10. The ear-wearable communicationsystem of claim 8, wherein the second multi-mode radio system isconfigured to communicate with a body-worn device.
 11. The ear-wearablecommunication system of claim 8, wherein the second multi-mode radiosystem is configured to communicate with a remote device.
 12. Theear-wearable communication system of claim 8, wherein the secondprocessor is configured to process signals to correct for hearingimpairment of the wearer.
 13. The ear-wearable communication system ofclaim 8, wherein the second multi-mode radio system is programmable toprovide separate communication channels supporting concurrentcommunications.
 14. A method, comprising: controlling, using a processorof an ear-wearable communication system, operation of a multi-mode radiosystem, the multi-mode radio system including: a high-frequencytransceiver for high-frequency communication; a first antenna coupled tothe high-frequency transceiver; a low-frequency transceiver forlow-frequency communication; and a second antenna coupled to thelow-frequency transceiver; communicating, using the processor, with areceiver of the ear-wearable communication system, the receiverconfigured to play sound for a wearer of the ear-wearable communicationsystem; and providing, using the processor, a frequency control signalas an input to the high-frequency transceiver and the low-frequencytransceiver.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:communicating, using the processor, with a microphone configured toreceive sound and convert the sound to an electrical signal provided tothe processor.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:communicating, using the multi-mode radio system, with a secondear-wearable communication system.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: communicating, using the multi-mode radio system, with abody-worn device.
 18. The method of claim 14, further comprising,communicating, using the multi-mode radio system, with a remote device.19. The method of claim 14, wherein the ear-wearable communicationsystem includes a hearing assistance device.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the hearing assistance device is a hearing aid.